This photo provided by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) shows rescuers conducting search and rescue operations after an earthquake, on Flores Island, Indonesia, on Aug. 15, 2026. The death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off Indonesia's Flores Island has risen to two, an official at the National Disaster Management Agency said Saturday, as authorities warned of possible aftershocks. A tsunami warning issued after the quake was later lifted. Rescue teams are continuing to assess damage and casualties in affected areas across Flores Island, with further details expected as emergency operations continue. (Basarnas/Handout via Xinhua)
JAKARTA, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off Indonesia's Flores Island has risen to two, an official at the National Disaster Management Agency said Saturday, as authorities warned of possible aftershocks.
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency urged residents to remain vigilant against aftershocks following the powerful quake, which was centered near Mbay in Nagekeo Regency. A tsunami warning issued after the quake was later lifted.
Strong tremors were felt in several areas, prompting many panicked residents to rush into the streets for safe shelter, local media reported.
Rescue teams are continuing to assess damage and casualties in affected areas across Flores Island, with further details expected as emergency operations continue.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin, making it prone to frequent earthquakes. ■
This photo provided by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) shows rescuers conducting search and rescue operations after an earthquake, on Flores Island, Indonesia, on Aug. 15, 2026. The death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off Indonesia's Flores Island has risen to two, an official at the National Disaster Management Agency said Saturday, as authorities warned of possible aftershocks. A tsunami warning issued after the quake was later lifted.
Rescue teams are continuing to assess damage and casualties in affected areas across Flores Island, with further details expected as emergency operations continue. (Basarnas/Handout via Xinhua)